Yesterday, a new Black Panther: Wakanda Forever Funko Pop found its way online that all but confirmed Shuri as the MCU's next Black Panther. The markings on the mask matched the tribal makeup we saw the scientist don in 2018's Black Panther, and her taking over the role was always the logical next step.
A LEGO set, titled "Shuri's Sunbird," has now been officially revealed and it leaves little doubt that T'Challa's sister is taking over the mantle from her brother.
She doesn't have the mask, but that's quite obviously the new Black Panther costume. Another recent LEGO set showed Shuri decked out in this suit accompanied by M'Baku and Okoye. That takes them out of the running, while Nakia's presence here confirms she won't be Black Panther, either. By process of elimination, that makes Shuri the obvious choice of successor.
Actress Letitia Wright has unexpectedly become something of a controversial figure thanks to the pandemic. Her outspoken opinions about not getting vaccinated reportedly caused issues on set, and there's speculation that the ending of the movie may have been reshot to have her give up being Black Panther so someone else can hold the title.
That's a shame, but not necessarily inconsistent with the comics as Shuri becomes Black Panther after T'Challa is no longer able to serve Wakanda in that capacity, and there isn't really anyone else who served in that role for more than a handful of issues.
With that in mind, we'd have to argue that Winston Duke's M'Baku should be the next next Black Panther, though something tells us we won't find out for sure until the movie is actually released. You won't need to wait long for this Black Panther: Wakanda Forever LEGO set, though, as it starts hitting stores on October 1.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever arrives in theaters on November 11.
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